Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon

Discover the story behind Nick Rance’s Vauxhall Astra GSi, nicknamed “Irn-Bru.” With a unique blue and orange design, custom interior, and air suspension, it’s a standout in the UK stance scene.

Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon
Vauxhall Astra Gsi
Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon
Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon
Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon
Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon
Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon
Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon
Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon
Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon
Vauxhall Astra GSi "Irn-Bru": A Custom Stance Icon

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Nick Rance

Vauxhall Astra Gsi

Instagram: @n6ckr

Photographer: Kjs Photography and Ro.Seb. Photography 

Performance Stats: Stage 2 SM running map running approx 280 bhp.

When it comes to the UK car scene, few vehicles stand out quite like Nick Rance’s Vauxhall Astra GSi, affectionately nicknamed "Irn-Bru." With its striking blue and orange colour scheme and custom modifications, this car is more than just a ride—it's a statement. Let’s dive into Nick’s journey with his Astra GSi and explore what makes this car a true icon in the stance community.

A Passion for Cars Rooted in Early Inspiration

I’m Nick, from Bedfordshire, UK. By day, I’m a full-time Auto Electrician, but my passion for cars has been a lifelong journey. Ever since my teenage years, I’ve been immersed in the car scene, drawn to the thrill and creativity it offers. My enthusiasm for vehicles led me to start one of the biggest UK car clubs, @BedsModified, in 2008. I also co-run an annual stance show called @StanceFeverUK with my business partner. Cars aren't just a hobby—they're my life.

My love for cars started when I was younger. I used to religiously purchase Max Power and Redline magazines, and I still have a massive collection stored away. These magazines sparked my interest in motors from an early age. The year I got my driver’s license was also the year the first Fast & Furious movie hit theatres. That film had a massive impact on me and the modified car scene I’m so deeply involved in today.

Vauxhall Astra Gsi

The Birth of “Irn-Bru”

My Astra GSi, nicknamed “Irn-Bru,” is named after the iconic drink due to its vibrant blue and orange color scheme. I purchased the car over 12 years ago, becoming only its second owner. When I first got it, the car was completely standard. Since then, it has undergone a remarkable transformation—from a custom hand-stitched full blue leather interior to a bespoke air suspension setup. This car is truly unique, not just to me but to many in the car scene as well.

What Makes “Irn-Bru” Stand Out

One of the most exciting aspects of owning “Irn-Bru” is its uniqueness. The vehicle has become known for its striking blue and orange combination, making it a head-turner at any event. The orange OZ Future split wheels paired with the one-off custom hand-stitched blue interior create a look that’s impossible to ignore. This distinctive aesthetic, combined with the rarity of a Vauxhall Astra GSi in the stance scene, makes it a standout among the sea of German cars typically seen at these shows.

Vauxhall Astra Gsi Build List: 

Vauxhall Astra GsiExterior:

• Wheels - Oz Futuras - In a custom Orange.

• Staggered 9j on the front and 9.5j on the on rear.

• Stretched tyres.

• Hardware and lips from SRR.

• Custom Air suspension set up with Airlift Performance management  

• Rare Opc/Irmscher Wing Mirrors.

• Custom Camo Matt metallic wrap by Downtown Designs.

• Gloss black Seat cupra splitter. 

• Custom side skirt extension.

• Genuine Vauxhall Shark eye headlights.

• Gsi front bumper headlight washer jets.

Vauxhall Astra Gsi INTERIOR

Vauxhall Astra Gsi Interior:

• Recaro CS front seats custom Blue leather hand trimmed.

• Full interior custom hand trimmed in Blue leather with Grey stitch.

• Custom Flat top & bottom Steering wheel.

• Boot build with Nardo grey air tank and Sub.

• Pioneer 7.5inch flip-out TV stereo

• Pioneer door replacement speakers.

•  Boot build with Pioneer 12" sub with a pioneer 1200-watt amp.

• Blue seat belts.

• Custom coloured centre console.

Vauxhall Astra Gsi Engine:

• Stainless steel custom exhaust system turbo back by EMP.

• Decat and precat taken out by EMP.

• Miktek Vxr back silencer.

• Vxr Turbo.

• Tx autosport large top hat and solid boost pipes. 

• Tx autosport fmic. 

• Vectra cdti airbox and cross-over delete.

• Stage 2 remap by SM Tuning running approx 300 bhp with vxr pop and bang.

• Bailey blow of valve.

• Hydro Graphics boost pipes in a custom orange.

• Arden blue rocker cover with Orange plug cover.

Vauxhall Astra Gsi

Crafting a Masterpiece: Who Did the Work?

Creating a car as unique as “Irn-Bru” takes a team effort. The custom air suspension kit was provided by Bagged Performance, while the tuning was handled by SM Tuning. A & R Pound took care of the custom-retrimmed interior, bringing my vision to life. Of course, I’ve also put in plenty of work myself, with a little help from my mates along the way.

The Future of “Irn-Bru”

After owning this car for over 12 years, I’ve finally reached a point where I’m happy with how she sits. The car is perfect as is, though I might consider a wheel change in the future. For now, though, “Irn-Bru” is everything I wanted her to be.

Shout Outs

I want to give a big shout-out to the following for their contributions and support:

Conclusion

Nick Rance’s Vauxhall Astra GSi “Irn-Bru” isn’t just a car—it’s a symbol of dedication, creativity, and a passion for the stance scene. With its unique colour scheme and custom modifications, it’s a true standout. Nick’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with a clear vision and a love for all things automotive.

Please leave your comments on my story in the comments section at the bottom of the page, it helps the story get more views and reach the Printed Magazine, Thank you.

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